Vietnam's diverse climate zones present unique preservation challenges.

Image source: Vecteezy

When I first started working in art conservation, I learned everything from foreign textbooks. But after some years in the museum sector, and now working at Vietnam Art Collection (VAC), I understand something important: protecting artwork in Vietnam is different from what those books tell us. Our weather, especially in the north, changes so quickly and drastically that we need special ways to care for our art.

Last month, we at VAC were honored to have a studio visit with different artists in Hanoi. One artist's beautiful, historic home holds many precious artworks, but the constant challenge is keeping them safe in our climate. "You see this spot here?" They showed me a slight discoloration on a silk painting. "This taught me why we cannot just copy methods from other countries." Through careful observation and many years protecting their collection, they developed their own system that combines modern equipment with traditional Vietnamese knowledge.

Note to Readers:

The following article on safeguarding Vietnamese art integrates research from various kinds of expert resources to offer educational value. While we aim for accuracy, please get in touch with an accredited conservator if you have distinctive artwork care concerns. We would like to boost awareness and maintenance of Vietnamese creative history while preserving its cultural relevance and traditional practices.

Vietnam's diverse climate zones require tailored preservation strategies.

Image source: Vecteezy

Understanding Our Climate

In our conversations with artists and art patrons across the country, I've noticed how each region faces unique challenges. Let me share what I've learned about protecting art in different parts of our country.

The North: Hanoi's Special Problems

Living in Hanoi means dealing with weather that changes like a moody child. Some things I've observed:

• During humid season, humidity can jump from 80% to 100% in one day

• Summer heat makes mold grow faster than bamboo

• Winter brings cold that can crack paintings

• Spring and autumn? Sometimes all four seasons in 24 hours

Central Vietnam: Fighting Salt and Storms

On an online call, an artist in Hue showed us how sea air affects different materials. "Look at this frame," they pointed to slight corrosion. "The salt finds every weak spot." They showed us their ways of protecting art:

• Keeping artwork away from windows facing the sea

• Using special backing materials

• Extra protection during typhoon season

  
  

Rainy season: Increased humidity challenges art preservation.

Image source: Vecteezy

The South: Constant Heat, Constant Care

In Saigon, the weather stays steadier but brings its own challenges. An art advocate there told me, "People think it's easier here because the temperature stays the same. Actually, that's part of the problem - things can go wrong very slowly, and you don't notice until it's serious."

Caring for Different Art Forms

Each type of artwork needs special understanding. Allow me to share what experienced artists and collectors have taught us during a recent meet-up regarding caring for various art forms:

Lacquer

At a studio visit, an artist specialized in lacquer paintings shared precious knowledge about this special medium. "It [lacquer] isn't just paint," he explained, touching a glossy surface. "It's alive. It moves with the weather, even years after we finish it." Here's what we should remember:

• Never stack pieces - each needs to breathe

• Keep them standing straight

• Watch for cloudy spots (they show up before serious damage)

• Clean only with special soft cloths

• If the surface looks strange, don't try to fix it yourself

• Temperature changes can make the surface crack

Silk Paintings

An emerging silk artist in Hanoi showed me how delicate these works are. "Silk remembers everything," she said. "Even one wrong touch can leave a mark forever." Important things to bear in mind:

• Store flat whenever possible

• If you must roll, use a thick tube

• Never fold - the creases become permanent

• Use acid-free paper between layers

• Keep away from bright light

• Check regularly for moisture damage

• Handle with clean, dry hands only

  
  

Store silk paintings flat or rolled with acid-free materials.

Image source: VAC

Oil Paintings

Though not traditionally Vietnamese, many contemporary artists work with oils. One collector shared their experience:

• Canvas also needs to breathe - leave space between paintings

• Watch for loose canvas in humid weather

• Keep away from sunlight and damp walls

• Dust lightly with soft brush

• Frame with space for air circulation

• Check back of canvas for mold spots

• If paint starts cracking, get professional help quickly

Proper storage and display protect oil paintings from environmental damage. 

Image source: Vecteezy

Works on Paper (Including Dzo Paper)

Dzo paper needs special understanding because it's so different from Western papers. An artist who works with traditional materials explained:

• Store flat in acid-free boxes

• Keep away from all moisture

• Never use plastic covers - paper needs to breathe

• Handle by corners only

• Watch for insects - they love Dzo paper

• Use tissue paper between sheets

• Check more often during rainy season

Seasonal Care

Rainy Season

This is when most damage happens. Watch for:

• Check artworks every few days

• Run dehumidifiers if you have them

• Look behind frames for moisture

• Watch walls for dampness

• React quickly to any mold signs

• Keep air moving, but not directly on artwork

Dry Season

Different season, different problems:

• Dust becomes your main enemy

• Watch for cracking in paintings

• Keep some moisture in the air

• Check frames for warping

• Move pieces away from air conditioners

Essential tools: Dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and monitoring devices. 

Image source: StockCake

When to Get Expert Help

Sometimes we need professional help. Look for these signs:

• Active mold growth (you can actually smell it!)

• Paint flaking or peeling

• Canvases becoming loose

• Color changes

• Strange spots appearing

• Insect damage

Dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and monitoring devices are essential tools.

Working Together to Protect Our Art

What I have learned most in this work is that preserving art in Vietnam works best when we aid each other. Whether you have one special painting or a plethora of artworks, your experience matters. Every collector, artist, and art lover has something to share.

At VAC, we believe learning goes both ways-we learn as much from artists and art enthusiasts as they learn from us. Together, we can find better ways to protect Vietnamese art in our challenging climate.

Please remember:

• Start with basic care methods

• Learn from your local art community

• Check artworks regularly

• Share what you learn

• Ask for help when needed

Seek expert help for significant changes or damage to artworks. 

Image source: StockCake

P.S.: While this guide comes from practical experience with art preservation in Vietnam, each artwork may need special care. When in doubt, please talk with conservation experts.